Help with filling out T2 corporate tax return

I've registered a couple corporations that I haven't done anything with, but need to file the T2 tax form for the past few years. Does anyone know where I can find some info on how to properly fill out this form (gov site - instruction manual wasn't any help!), or is there anyone that can help me file for a reasonable charge. Every account I've contacted is asking for $400-600 to complete the forms.

Your problem isn't how to learn to fill out T2 paper work, your real issue is to get your affairs organized and start having everything filed on time and properly too boot, the fees you spend on accounting will be nothing in comparison to penatlies you eventually will be paying (not to mention CRA being on your back, perhaps freezing your bank accounts and general stress of being few years late with everyting).

I recently got contacted by a person who likes to save money on accounting, never filed T2, sales tax, since incorporating few years back, now that CRA is on his back he wants everything done right away, in the meantime they froze his bank accounts when he was in Asia, and have already asessed him corp and sales tax returns that are way higher than my original estimate, add to that few hundred thousands of shareholder debit balance and you get one individual who likes to save on accounting fees, and the penatlies will excceed many times what he would have paid for services if they were done on time and properly on timely basis.

Maybe I should start a new thread, but what does anybody know where I can find a sample filled-out complete T2 form for a non-complicated corporation?

I've been running my business as a sole proprietorship for the last 2 years (IT consulting with only a couple of clients), but have now also incorporated. As a sole proprietorship filing taxes (and deducting expenses, submitting GST/HST, etc) has been relatively simple and I've been able to do it myself.

I still want to be believe that I should be able to fill out my own T2 (I say to myself "why should it be that much different now that its a corporation?"), but by reading posts by RobberBarron and others, looking at the (very confusing on first read) CRA T2 guide, or trying to figure out how I now need to handle "workplace at the home" expenses, I understand that it really may not be so simple anymore.

I think if I saw a sample filled-out complete T2 form for a similar corporation, I would get a better sense on what the corporation complications really are, and whether this is something I want to invest the time/effort in doing myself, or that its something that truly is best left to a professional accountant ..... so far I haven't had any luck searching the internet for a sample filled-out T2 form.

If it really IS a zero-earning corporation with no costs/expenses, just remember to include the incorporation fees as a loan to the corporation. That way, whenever the corporation DOES make any money down the road, at least you'll be able to pull out the money you spent to incorporate the company which came out of your own pocket to the corporation (as a loan!)

much of the information in this thread is quite useful; thanks everyone!

i started my brand new corporation in June 2010 (it's only me, no other employees and just me working from home) and will likely file my first ever T2 return next year.

Many people when filling out a corporate tax return try deducting expenses that are actually ineligible or actually attract taxable benefits to the shareholder under 15(1). 400-600 is a good price...if inactive perhaps as low as 250 providing everything is clean and it truly is inactive. If your not going to use a corporation, dissolve it or get rid of it, there are accountants out there who will take it off your hands just to have one handy.

Hey, I can do my own plumbing, my own electrical and drywalling, and I am good at it..but when it gets held up to a pro, I am not great. Do what you do and do it well, but truly my advice is leave it to those who specialize in what they are doing. by the way, compilation engagements (Notice to Reader) do not require chartered accountants, certified general accountants or certified management accountants to complete the work. There are many non-designated individuals/companies out there who do a great job without you paying through the nose so do your homework.

I've registered a couple corporations that I haven't done anything with, but need to file the T2 tax form for the past few years.

I think you guys have to re-read the OP (see above). He just registered the corporations and nothing has happened.
There aren't any accounting records to get together. There are no assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses. Balance sheet = $0. Income statement =$0.

Also looking to fill out a T2 short form. The company I have was inactive this year (no income). The only thing that was deducted was 1)accountant fees for filing taxes last year, and 2)Bank fees.
Any one know where/how to deduct these?
Everything else is zero's. I want to fill it out myself as there is no money left for this business, then dissolve it.
Thanks

You don't need to show your deductions just the net income. Your net loss goes in the first line of Schedule 1 S. Assuming you have no other adjustments, your net loss will go in row 300 of the T2 Short.